Faculty & Staff
Our faculty, staff, and administrators are consistently engaged in high quality professional development to ensure that our curriculum is rooted in best educational practices. Averaging 10 years teaching at New City, faculty form lasting bonds with their students and help them to develop a strong sense of self. Masters at their craft, New City teachers design engaging learning experiences that help students grow their independence as learners.
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Fast Facts
70%
of faculty hold advanced degrees
25%
of faculty identify as people of color
33
classroom teachers
(including assistants)
10
specialist teachers
Faculty & Staff
Alexis Wright
Head of School
Janine Gorrell
Early Elementary Division Head
Jonelle Harris
Director of Diversity, Equity & Community
Dee Harvill
Director of Advancement
Abby Hillman
Director of Admission & Enrollment Management
Shawn Runge
Director of Finance & Operations
Laurie Smilack
Upper Elementary Division Head
Ella Achenbach
3/4s Assistant Teacher
Karl Aufenthie
Assistant Facilities Director
Melissa Bernstein
3/4s Teacher
Felix Berrios
3/4s Teacher
Marti Jo Bicknese
4/5s Assistant Teacher
Joseph Bradshaw
Facilities Supervisor
Jessica Brod Millner
Director of Social Action & Service Learning
Carla Carroll
Learning Specialist
Shawn Clark
Recess & Lunch Aide
Kristi Cloninger
Technology Specialist
Joseph Corbett
Librarian
Paije Croghan
1st Grade Teacher
Rosemary Davis
Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications
Melissa Doll
School Counselor
Megan Dunlap
2nd Grade Teacher
Ghada Ead
Kindergarten Teacher
Jennifer Enger
4/5s Teacher
A Message from the Head of School
Dear Friends,
Welcome to New City School! Founded in 1969, New City is built upon progressive ideals and for over 50 years has helped children discover a love of learning, leading to success not only in school, but success in life as well.
Academic development is of paramount importance at New City School—our curriculum is challenging and our secondary school placement is strong.
Equally important to us is the social and emotional development of children, and we work very hard to ensure that students understand themselves as learners and individuals. Our students understand how to approach and solve problems, how to work with others, and they grow up with a strong sense of the world around them.
Community is another hallmark of the New City School experience. We have intentionally created a community that is exceptionally diverse, and we embrace the joys and challenges that come with learning and living in a diverse environment. We define diversity very broadly and view children’s understanding of identity, diversity, and issues of social justice as key to achievement in life.
With an accomplished and skilled faculty, we have built and continue to sustain a school with a local and international reputation for excellence in education. New City is an amazing school; I invite you to discover that for yourself. I look forward to your visit and to welcoming you as your family gets to know our community.
Sincerely,